Head teacher asks students to support sex change employee

The head teacher of a Sixth Form college has written to students asking them
to support a member of staff who is preparing for a sex change.

9:58AM BST 08 Apr 2010

Dr Peter Avery, principal of Richard Huish College, Taunton, has written to parents and guardians asking for support for technician Paul Holbrook who will be known as Emma Holbrook when students return from holiday for the summer term.

Dr Avery's letter said: "Paul Holbrook is undergoing gender transition and has reached the stage that Emma Holbrook will continue her excellent work in media and film studies when the college restarts after the Easter holiday."

He added that transsexualism involves a person born with the "external characteristics of one sex" having the "gender identity of the other".

He said "stigma and taboo" make the transition a "difficult prospect".

A consultant who helped neighbouring King's College when a similar situation arose there several years ago has advised Richard Huish bosses on how to handle the situation.

Dr Avery said: "I have every expectation that the community that is Richard Huish College will be supportive of Emma as she moves through this extraordinarily challenging phase of her life.

"Emma is not undergoing this transition to become a sensation, but for reasons of personal integrity – she simply wants to be herself.

"As a community we are defined by the degree of care and consideration we give to those who are most vulnerable.

"Emma is a terrific technician and an integral member of our team.

"With our collective support she will simply continue to provide the expert assistance so appreciated by our students."